Yes, until Clarkson dug his heels in and decided to play hardball at the final hurdle.

Foxfooty.com.au understands the four-time premiership coach frustrated Brisbane officials and Hodge himself in the dying minutes of the trade period, almost to the point where the deal could have fallen through.

Once seen as a formality, the trade quickly became a source of intense discussion between the two clubs because of the coaching great’s late pivot.

It is understood Clarkson was seething with the possibility that Hodge, a two-time Norm Smith medallist, could potentially walk to Brisbane for Pick 75. He wanted more and he made his thoughts known in no uncertain terms.

Clarkson had pushed Sam Mitchell out for Picks 52, 70 and 88 and Jordan Lewis out for selections 48 and 66 and he was not about to part ways with Hodge for less than what he thought he was worth — regardless of the fact he had retired for all intents and purposes until two weeks ago.